‘Bernstorm’ hits East Tennessee coffeehouse

Nearly 200 members of the community gathering at The Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room in Johnson City, Tenn., on Feb. 11, 2016. (Photos: Amanda Florian)

On Thursday night, “Bernstorm” came to the Willow Tree Coffeehouse and Music Room in Johnson City, Tenn., drawing a crowd inside the popular spot decorated with twinkling lights and offbeat wall art.

No, “Bernstorm” is not a new indie band. It’s the name of the “organizing rallies” the Bernie Sanders campaign team has been running nationwide, and Thursday night’s saw some 200 people from the Tri-Cities (Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol) crammed into the hipster spot to learn how to help get the Vermont senator into the White House. Tennessee voters have less than a month before the state primary on March 1.

That evening, the local coffeehouse’s mellow music was replaced with the amplified voices of community members and college students.

Community members of all ages gather to share ideas and sip coffee at The Willow Tree.

The event was organized and run by Sander’s Tennessee campaign staff with the help of volunteers. Attendees ranged in age from young teens to senior citizens, many of whom wore Bernie-themed shirts and pins. The group sipped coffee while discussing Sanders, and their ideas for his campaign.

“Bernie can’t do it alone,” declared one person in the crowd about the candidate’s need for more volunteers.

“I think there is a feeling, an urge, a desire to make a society that’s leaning more towards social justice,” said Caleb Bailey. The East Tennessee State University psychology student — who helped organize the rally — suggested that community members and the school’s Progressive Student Union join forces to reach as many people in the Tri-Cities area as possible.

Jimmy Stewart, who studies graphic design at ETSU, said he came to the rally in support of Sanders because of the candidate’s “unwavering qualities.”

“It’s good to see a candidate who’s stuck to his ideals for decades,” he said. “(Sanders) refuses to be the same politician as everyone else.”

ETSU political science student Eric Boshers

The rally was a first for Eric Boshers, who studies political science at ETSU. He said Sanders’ policy to make college free at public colleges and universities is something he’s keeping in mind while looking at the 2016 candidates.

“I’m not looking for a handout, but (Sanders) is on to something,” he said. He also finds Sanders’ focus on civil rights appealing.

Those in attendance were strongly encouraged to invite community members to future events and some signed up to host a phone bank.

ETSU accounting student Will Powell said he came to the rally because Sanders “speaks to issues” he cares about, such as affordable college tuition.

He suggested that Sanders’ campaign do as many “Bernstorms” as possible, adding that supporters meeting fellow supporters is important.

“I think he has a lot of Internet presence, but face-to-face will help,” he said. “This campaign is powered by working class people — and us.”

College students among a crowd of 200 at the Tri-Cities “Bernstorm” rally.

Amanda Florian is a Milligan College student a USA TODAY College correspondent.